Ghana to propose UN resolution on slavery reparations

Ghana intends to propose a UN resolution recognising transatlantic slavery as the ‘gravest crime in the history of humankind’ and calling for reparations, and expects broad support despite resistance in Europe, reports Polity. The West African nation, a prominent advocate of reparations on the continent, plans to table the proposal at the UN General Assembly, possibly as early as this month, its Foreign Ministry told Reuters. The plan marks a new step in Africa's efforts to seek accountability for historical injustices by former colonial powers, and the country hopes it will ‘enjoy the support of many member states’. While calls for reparations have gained momentum in recent years, there is also a growing backlash. Several European leaders have opposed even discussing the subject, with critics arguing today's states and institutions should not be held responsible for historical wrongs. Asked if it expected opposition, the Ministry said: ‘A backlash against truth is one that we hope would not occur. Ghana is not seeking to reopen old wounds but to heal those wounds with truth.’ African and Caribbean nations have been seeking to establish a special UN reparations tribunal, with lawyers noting previous tribunals had been created by resolution or by the Security Council. The African Union (AU) last year set out to create a ‘unified vision’ among its 55 member states on what reparations may look like, from financial compensation and formal apologies to policy reforms. AU leaders endorsed the proposed resolution at a summit last month.

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